When he was young, I loved going to basketball games. We moms would sit on the bleachers and watch the exciting parts; well, we would talk mostly and would cheer when the ball was shot near the hoop. He called me out one day early in his second season though. "Mom, you don't see any of the game - all you do is talk to the other moms."
Guiltily, I realized he was correct, so I worked to stay more focused on the games. However, I have to admit, the joy I took in going to his games was both from watching him on the court and from spending time talking to the other moms about raising boys.
He's fifteen now, and we are just home from the first game in the playoffs, and this was an incredible game. We moms didn't have a chance to talk to each other, the intensity of the game was relentless. Gasping and cheering, we were totally focused on our boys on the court - incredible shots and the wrenching misses, fouls called by the refs and the fouls missed by the refs, and the raw energy pulsing up and down the court.
Gone are the sweet little boys who looked so cute chasing the ball down the court. Replacing them are lithe and lanky young men seriously implementing the team's mission. I still do love going to his games: the chance to visit with other moms is invaluable, especially at this age. But we moms are more often gripped by the incredible athleticism, fluid collaboration, and great sportsmanship on the court that shows how much these young men have grown.
They Won. Championship Game, next weekend. Whoo HOO!
I Kid You Not
2 hours ago
Loved how the slice began with a child and transformed him. I could feel the energy of the game and the anxiousness. Great verbs and word choices!
ReplyDeleteI love that the transformation of the moms matched that of the boys! Congrats on the win, and best of luck next week! Maybe it's time to start implementing a new tradition of house parties for parents and the team after each home game. Then you can watch the game AND talk the night away! :)
ReplyDelete